A manual on the origin and development of Washington

by H. Paul Caemmerer

THE MOUNT VERNON HIGHWAY ROUTE

THE MOUNT VERNON HIGHWAY TRAVERSES HISTORIC TERRITORY

The route traverses a territory full of historic associations and reminiscent of the days of Washington. About halfway between Washington and Alexandria it passes close to the site of Abingdon, the home of John Parke Custis, Mrs. Washington’s son. Here Nellie Custis, Washington’s adopted daughter, was born. A beautiful view of the river and a panorama of Washington and the north shore is seen from this point. Also here the Potomac is being dredged, making new land for Washington National Airport, to be the finest in the United States. Work will be completed in 1941.

MOUNT VERNON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY, NORTH OF LITTLE HUNTING CREEK

Passing on to Alexandria the route enters the city by Washington Street and passes directly by Christ Church, where the Washington pew may still be seen.

Alexandria was Washington’s own town. It was his market place, his post office, and his voting place. It was the meeting place of the lodge of Masons to which he belonged, and the lodge hall is now the repository of a great many articles and paintings associated with him. The trowel, square, and plumb bob used in laying the corner stone of the Capitol may be seen here, as also the Bible used in the Masonic lodge of which Washington was a member. Among many other things of historical interest is a portrait of George Washington painted by W. Williams for the lodge.

There is scarcely a foot of ground in Alexandria that Washington did not tread. The old quarters of the volunteer fire company to which he belonged still stand. In Gadsby’s Inn, now the City Hotel, he recruited the first company of provincial troops authorized by Governor Dinwiddie, and with which he fought the Battle of Great Meadows.

MOUNT VERNON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY

In the ballroom of Gadsby’s Inn in 1798 was held the first celebration of Washington’s birthday. From the steps of the same building he gave his last military command to the Alexandria Light Infantry Blues; and here, also, in November, 1799, less than 30 days before his death, he cast his last vote.

At the Carlyle House, still standing, he received his appointment as an officer in the British Army on General Braddock’s staff; and in this house also, at the Convention of the Five Governors assembled to confer with General Braddock, the first suggestion of colonial taxation was made—a step which ultimately led to the revolt of the Colonies.

A short side trip from Washington Street down King Street takes the traveler to the George Washington National Masonic Memorial, which has been erected at the western outskirts of the town on Shooters Hill. It is 333 feet high, and was designed by Harvey W. Corbett, architect.

Returning to Washington Street and proceeding southward the traveler passes the Confederate Monument, and soon reaches the southern limits of the town and passing within a stone’s throw of the first corner stone of the District of Columbia, still standing on Jones Point.

Leaving Alexandria the route crosses Hunting Creek to Fort Hunt, thence to the entrance gates of Mount Vernon.

FEATURES OF THE HIGHWAY DESCRIBED

The making of surveys, preparation of plans, and supervision of construction have all been done by the Bureau of Public Roads of the United States Department of Agriculture, and Gilmore D. Clarke, Consulting Landscape Architect.

MOUNT VERNON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY—BRIDGE OVER BOUNDARY CHANNEL

The location selected for the highway required the construction of fills across approximately 2³⁄₄ miles of open water, which was accomplished by pumping gravel and sand from the Potomac River.

The highway throughout its entire length, with the exception of the section through Alexandria, has been designed to provide for a free flow of traffic over a surface with a minimum width of 40 feet, and where there is any volume of cross traffic it passes either under or over the highway.

Except through the city of Alexandria, the highway follows closely the shore of the Potomac River for the greater portion of the distance. This situation affords beautiful vistas of Washington and the Potomac River, which, in combination with the landscaping and development of the project itself, make this highway a fitting tribute to the memory of George Washington.

CHRIST CHURCH, ALEXANDRIA, VA.

Below Alexandria the highway has been widened at points of outstanding beauty, so that motorists can stop for a few minutes to enjoy the view.

The bridges in general are of reinforced-concrete arches, faced with native stone laid in random bond. Special attention has been given to harmonizing their lines with the general plan of development.

MOUNT VERNON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY—UNDERPASS AT HIGHWAY BRIDGE

The intersection of the memorial highway with U. S. Highway No. 1 near the beginning of the project has been so designed that a large volume of traffic can flow from one highway to the other without crossing the center line of either route.

A large parking area at Mount Vernon that will accommodate the thousands of visitors to this national shrine has been provided, and a concession building of colonial design has been erected to provide for their comfort.

MOUNT VERNON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY—BRIDGE OVER HUNTING CREEK